Portugal will be looking to build off the maomentum gained in a 2-0 clean sheet win over Wales in the semifinals of Euro 2016 as it prepares to face host nation France in Sunday’s tournament final as distant +350 underdogs on the three-way betting line at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com.
A Selecao have been underwhelming during their drive towards their first Euro final since 2004, claiming just one victory within 90 minutes and extending a stretch of mediocrity that has seen them record just seven victories over their past 14 contests heading into Sunday afternoon’s France vs. Portugal betting matchup at Stade de France.
Portugal’s dormant offence finally showed signs of life in its victory over Wales, sealing the win with a pair of quick goals early in the second half after getting outshot and out-possessed by the speedy Dragons during the first 45 minutes.
With each of its three group stage matches ending in a draw Portugal managed to back into the knockout stage, where they enjoyed a favourable seeding in a weak bracket that featured just one pre-tournament favourite, Belgium, who were sent packing following a stunning 3-1 loss to Wales.
The squad’s recent stretch of matches not decided in regulation time is reflected on the three-way odds in Sunday’s contest, with a draw pegged as a +210 bet.
While its advancement to the final continues a trend of success in six previous Euro appearances, Portugal must now confront a French side seeking to win their second European championship title on home turf.
France entered this year’s tournament atop the Euro 2016 futures as +300 chalk and have not disappointed, powering to a first-place finish in Group A before picking up knockout stage wins over Ireland and Iceland.
Les Bleus then passed their biggest test of the tournament, knocking off Germany in the semifinal by a 2-0 score despite being largely dominated by the defending World Cup champions. They are now unbeaten in 17 of their past 18 international tournament matches played on French soil.
France has also dominated Portugal on the pitch for more than a generation, winning in 10 straight meetings since 1975, including three international tournament wins, further fueling their strong -225 odds of winning their third-ever Euro crown and solid even-money odds of ending Portugal’s dream inside 90 minutes.
But Les Bleus will have to penetrate a stingy Portuguese defence that has allowed more than one goal in a game just once in their past 18 outings, a trend that has put downward pressure on a goal total currently pegged at 2 with the UNDER sporting -115 odds.
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